I may mention that my grandfather was not happy in his family relations, and died in an uneasy frame of mind, on Christmas eve, 1820. Since my family sold his house, I have never heard that its new occupants were disturbed. I have at different periods of my life had _groups_, as it were, of very remarkable allegorical dreams. It is somewhat singular that involuntary efforts may be made during sleep, which are I believe beyond the bounds of possibility during waking moments. Indeed the curious phenomena which you have so ably criticised, are without limit. Though you do not approve of the concealment of names, I hope you will excuse my asking you to do so in the present instance as many of the parties concerned might be displeased. I have the honour to remain, Madam, Your obedient servant, Mrs. Catherine Crowe. H. A. "P.S. I know two remarkable instances of prophetic denunciation or the power of will, under, of course, the control of Providence. In one instance, the death of the party denounced, followed on the week predicted, although at the time he was well. Moreover, the denunciation was never mentioned to him. "In the other instance, the accomplishment of the denunciation was accomplished to the exact day, and under very remarkable circumstances. I believe this power to be _involuntary_, and more of the nature of inspiration." SECOND PART. LEGENDS OF THE EARTHBOUND. THE ITALIAN'S STORY. "How well your friend speaks English!" I remarked one day to an acquaintance when I was abroad, alluding to a gentleman who had just quitted the room. "What is his name?" "Count Francesco Ferraldi." "I suppose he has been in England?" "Oh, yes; he was exiled and taught Italian there. His history is very curious and would interest you, who like wonderful things." "Can you tell it me." "Not correctly, as I never heard it from himself. But I believe he has no objection to tell it--with the exception of the political transactions in which he was concerned, and which caused his being sent out of the Austrian dominions; that part of it I believe he thinks it prudent not to allude to. We'll ask him to dinner, if you'll meet him, and perhaps we may persuade him to tell the story." Accordingly, the meeting took place; we dined _en petit comite_,--and the Count very good-naturedly yielded to our request; "but you must excuse me," he said, "beginning a long way back for my story commences three hundred years ago.